Neither republican candidate George W. Bush nor democratic candidate Al Gore focused on terrorism in 2000, and foreign policy was not a highly contentious issue. After Clinton's forays into foreign disputes that to many Americans seemed distant and irrelevant, from Kosovo to Haiti to Somalia, Bush was quick to steer clear of sounding like an interventionist. "I'm not so sure the role of the United States is to go around the world and say this is the way it's got to be."
Bush's relatively isolationist stance was consistent even after 17 sailors were killed in a suicide attack on the USS Cole, off the coast of Yemen, on October 12. He did, however, say that "I hope that we gather enough intelligence to figure out who did the act and take the necessary action. There must a consequence." His running mate, Dick Cheney, was less demure following the attack, charging that, "Any would-be terrorist out there needs to know that if you're going to attack, you'll be hit very hard and very quick. It's not the time for diplomacy and debate. It's time for action."
Of the two candidates, Gore put forth the more aggressive response to the attack, stating, "Whoever is responsible for something like this will be met with a full and forceful and effective retaliatory response … We will not leave this matter. We will defend our country.
Throughout the campaign, Gore emphasized his knowledge and experience in the Senate related to terrorism, weapons of mass destruction and nuclear proliferation. Bush was more likely to emphasize his capabilities as a leader and as loyal friend to allies.
Although President Bush was ultimately declared the election's winner, the two candidates were essentially tied."